Difference between revisions of "Machbet"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ('''מחבט; lit. Racquet)''' was an upgrade of the fleet of Hovet (M163 VADS) in IDF service in late 1990s to modernize the vehicle, the upgrade features 4 all-aspect infrared-tracking Stinger missiles that allow it to engage long-range targets and an IRST tracker that is more reliable than the [[AN/VPS-2]] which also doesn't trigger aircraft RWRs; these vehicles soon replaced Hovet in service by 1998 and been deployed at the Purple Line (Post-Six-Day War ceasefire line between Israel/Syria, ''de facto'' borderline) since then until the Israel Air Defense Command was disbanded in 2006.
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (מחבט; lit. Racquet) was an upgrade of the fleet of [[Hovet]]s (M163 VADS) in service with the Israel Air Defense Command in the late 1990s to modernize the vehicle. The upgrade featured 4 all-aspect infrared-tracking Stinger missiles that allow it to engage long-range targets, and an IRST tracker that was more reliable than the [[AN/VPS-2]] and also doesn't trigger aircraft RWR. These vehicles replaced the Hovet in service by 1998, and were deployed along the Purple Line (post-Six-Day War ceasefire line between Israel/Syria, ''de facto'' border line) until the Israel Air Defense Command was disbanded in 2006.
  
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] alongside with Israel tech-tree, the overall dimension of Machbet is mostly identical to Hovet; while players would soon notice the disappearance of the radar rangefinder, the overall capability is now ensured by the new FLIR tracker with optical tracking capability and 4 FIM-92 Stingers to handle long-range (relative to the gun's < 2 km range) targets. Players will soon get used to the performance of Machbet, enemies might underestimate the potential of these upgrades until they got shot down by either the missiles or the gun itself.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] alongside the initial Israeli tech tree, the overall dimensions of the Machbet is mostly identical to the Hovet. While players will quickly notice the disappearance of the radar rangefinder, the overall capability is now ensured by the new FLIR tracker with optical tracking capability and 4 FIM-92 Stingers to handle long-range (relative to the gun's <2 km range) targets. Players will soon get used to the performance of the Machbet, while enemies might underestimate the potential of these upgrades allowing the joint use of both surface-air missiles and a powerful rotary cannon.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
As the world entered the last decade of 20th Century, Hovet would already been obsolete against new aerial threats due to its inferior FCS and lack of missile. Thus IAI planned for an upgrade to the fleet of Hovet with modernized FLIR tracking systems and FIM-92 Stingers MANPADS; this upgrade also introduced GPS and the "Hermit" (הרמיט) computerized command system for battery vehicles with all-in-one display of radar signals and video display from command systems via a military-grade briefcase laptop.  
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As the world entered the last decade of the 20th Century, the [[Hovet]] had already become obsolete against new aerial threats due to its inferior FCS and lack of missiles. Thus, IAI planned for an upgrade to the fleet of Hovets with modernized FLIR tracking systems and FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS; this upgrade also introduced GPS and the "Hermit" (הרמיט) computerized command system for battery vehicles with all-in-one display of radar signals and video display from command systems via a military-grade briefcase laptop.
  
The upgraded vehicles replaced Hovet in borderline air-defense by 1998 and served IADC until their disbandment in 2006. <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20110514104344/http://www.iaf.org.il/241-18138-he/IAF.aspx?indx=1</ref>
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The upgraded vehicles replaced Hovet in border air-defense by 1998 and served with the Israel Air Defense Command until its disbandment in 2006. <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20110514104344/http://www.iaf.org.il/241-18138-he/IAF.aspx?indx=1</ref>
  
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7601-development-machbet-desert-vulcan-en|Devblog]] ===
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7601-development-machbet-desert-vulcan-en|Devblog]] ===

Revision as of 17:15, 3 September 2023

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This page is about the Israeli SPAA Machbet. For other versions, see M113 (Family).
Machbet
il_machbet.png
GarageImage Machbet.jpg
Machbet

Description

The Machbet (מחבט; lit. Racquet) was an upgrade of the fleet of Hovets (M163 VADS) in service with the Israel Air Defense Command in the late 1990s to modernize the vehicle. The upgrade featured 4 all-aspect infrared-tracking Stinger missiles that allow it to engage long-range targets, and an IRST tracker that was more reliable than the AN/VPS-2 and also doesn't trigger aircraft RWR. These vehicles replaced the Hovet in service by 1998, and were deployed along the Purple Line (post-Six-Day War ceasefire line between Israel/Syria, de facto border line) until the Israel Air Defense Command was disbanded in 2006.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change" alongside the initial Israeli tech tree, the overall dimensions of the Machbet is mostly identical to the Hovet. While players will quickly notice the disappearance of the radar rangefinder, the overall capability is now ensured by the new FLIR tracker with optical tracking capability and 4 FIM-92 Stingers to handle long-range (relative to the gun's <2 km range) targets. Players will soon get used to the performance of the Machbet, while enemies might underestimate the potential of these upgrades allowing the joint use of both surface-air missiles and a powerful rotary cannon.

General info

Survivability and armour

Despite its thin armour, the Machbet has the particularity of being able to withstand some misplaced shots, but pay attention to HE shells that are able to destroy instantly the vehicle .

Beware also of tanks equipped with machine guns above 7.62 mm calibre, these tanks can easily penetrate the sides of the vehicle.

Armour type:

  • Aluminium Alloy 5083
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 29-38 mm (44°) Front glacis
38 mm (26°) Lower glacis
44 mm Top
32 mm Bottom
38 mm (9°) 10-38 mm
Turret 17 mm (17-18°) Turret front
150 mm Gun mantlet
17 mm (12-19°) 17 mm (0-20°) N/A

Notes:

Mobility

While not being the fastest vehicle, especially while stock, the Machbet lack power in slope but on flat ground , he can handle himself pretty easily.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 301 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 188 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: M168 (20 mm)

The Machbet is equipped like the M163 with a 20 mm M168 VADS, or Vulcan air defence system. The M168 is a variant of the M61 cannon, which can be found in-game on vehicles such as the Japanese T-2, and the American F-4C Phantom II. Used initially during the Vietnam war, the M168 was a 20 mm air-cooled rotary cannon attached to a small turret on the Machbet. Dangerous to anything in the sky below 2 km, it will lock on and rip through anything in its path. Helicopter and plane will be crippled effectively.

20 mm M168 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 2,200 (1,100) 3,000 -5°/+80° ±180° N/A 66.0 91.4 111.0 122.8 130.6 26.00 23.00 21.20 20.00
Realistic 44.6 52.5 63.8 70.5 75.0

Ammunition

  • Default: AP-I · HEI-T · API-T
  • HEI: HEI-T · HEF-I · API-T · HEF-I
  • AP-I: AP-I · API-T · HEF-I · API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEI-T 5 5 3 2 2 2
AP-I 40 36 22 12 6 3
API-T 40 36 22 12 6 3
HEF-I 5 5 3 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEI-T 1,030 0.1 0.1 0.1 12 79° 80° 81°
AP-I 1,030 0.1 - - - 47° 56° 65°
API-T 1,030 0.1 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF-I 1,030 0.1 0.1 0.1 17.12 - - -

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
2 (+1) (+2) No

Additional armament

Main article: FIM-92 Stinger

The FIM-92 E and K are effective weapons but only under certain conditions. With turns at 10 G maximum, the missile will not be able to follow some aircraft unless the angle is favourable. Opportune moments to hit an aircraft are when it is facing directly towards the missile launcher or flying directly away from it. The K upgrade of the missile is more likely to hit due to its proximity fuse with a trigger radius of 5 m. Helicopters, on the other hand, have a good chance of being hit due to their low altitude. Without the use of countermeasures, the missile can be sure to hit a helicopter. However, missiles may have a hard time acquiring helicopters if they are low to the ground, and helicopters may use the terrain to mask themselves or evade incoming missiles.

FIM-92 Stinger missile Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 4 -10°/+70° ±180° N/A 66.0 91.4 111.0 122.8 130.6 19.5 17.2 15.9 15.0
Realistic 44.6 52.5 63.8 70.5 75.0

Ammunition

Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Arming
distance (m)
Trigger
radius (m)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
FIM-92E SAM 670 5,000 10.1 1 0.1 - - 540 79° 80° 81°
FIM-92K SAM 670 5,000 10.1 1 0.1 0 1 540 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
4 (+4) No

Usage in battles

The Machbet is a very good anti-aircraft vehicle if its capabilities and limitations are managed. It excels in many areas behind the front lines, either directly supporting allies during an assault or back towards spawn or capture points to maintain security.

Difficulties will be met around BR 10.0 matches as multiple aircraft types will have access to countermeasures able to defeat the FIM-92 Stinger missiles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Access to capable FIM-92 Stinger missiles even when stock.
    • FIM-92K missile an upgradeable option to enhance lethality due to proximity fuze.
  • Have powerful 20 mm M168 for close-range protection against aircraft.
  • Lightweight with good horsepower for good mobility
  • Access to thermal imager
  • Access to a laser rangefinder

Cons:

  • Armour is thin and basically non-existent except against machine gun calibre rounds
  • 20 mm only useful within 2 km firing distance

History

As the world entered the last decade of the 20th Century, the Hovet had already become obsolete against new aerial threats due to its inferior FCS and lack of missiles. Thus, IAI planned for an upgrade to the fleet of Hovets with modernized FLIR tracking systems and FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS; this upgrade also introduced GPS and the "Hermit" (הרמיט) computerized command system for battery vehicles with all-in-one display of radar signals and video display from command systems via a military-grade briefcase laptop.

The upgraded vehicles replaced Hovet in border air-defense by 1998 and served with the Israel Air Defense Command until its disbandment in 2006. [1]

Devblog

After the M163 VADS began being decommissioned from American service, the vehicle was heavily exported to foreign operators. Israel was one of several states which adopted the M163 VADS into its own military under the name 'Hovet' in the early 1980s. By the early 1990s however, it was realized that the system required modernization. As such, the IAI company was tasked with developing an upgrade package.

Together with General Dynamics, IAI upgraded the Hovet's fire control system and equipped the vehicle with a Stinger missile launcher, in an effort to increase the vehicle's effectiveness against low-flying jet aircraft. Following successful testing of the prototype in 1997, the vehicle was formally accepted into service with the IDF under the name 'Machbet' in 1998. In the upcoming years, several of the older Hovets were modernized to the Machbet standard. However, the Machbet only saw a short service life with the IDF. Because of changing tasks and requirements, the Machbet was officially withdrawn from active service in 2006.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Israel Aerospace Industries (התעשייה האווירית לישראל)
Jet Fighters  Nesher · Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7
SPAAs  Machbet

Israel anti-aircraft vehicles
Half-track  TCM-20
M163 derivatives  Hovet · Machbet · Imp.Chaparral
Captured  ZSU-57-2 · ZSU-23-4